Jamie Allard: Happy Veterans Day to the next generation

By REP. JAMIE ALLARD

As a mother, a veteran, and a public servant, I am deeply aware of the sacrifices that our military families make each day. I have witnessed firsthand the courage, commitment, and sacrifice it takes to serve, and I’ve experienced both the pride and the fearthat comes with raising children who aspire to follow that same path.

 Veterans Day is not only a day to honor those who serve and have served, but to inspire the next generation to pick up that torch for the future. 

Recently as my daughters sought my input regarding their military careers moving forward at Norwich University. I asked them to wait until I knew who would be their Commander in Chief. I worried if their new Commander would know how to lead, or what they might be forced to do in the name of duty. 

I recognized how important it was to each of them as both my husband and I served in the military, but I also recognized that the military today is not the same as it was in generations past. If you don’t believe in your leadership, it’s hard to follow. This election impacted me on a deep level, not just as an American, but also as mother with daughters who would be under the command of the new President. Today, I feel more hopeful than ever that my daughters, and all young people with similar dreams, will be able to serve under a government that truly understands and values what it means to put on the uniform.

This year, I was honored to be part of the 33rd legislative session, where I helped pass legislation to recognize the Space Force and honor our Women Veterans. In a time of such polarization and political vitriol, it’s crucial to come together on nonpartisan values, particularly in an era when the sacrifices of our service members, especially women, deserve acknowledgment more than ever. But advocating for these measures wasn’t easy. Some legislators questioned the necessity of these recognitions — a stark reminder that even in today’s world, not everyone fully appreciates the dedication of our veterans.

This lack of understanding has further strengthened my resolve to support leaders who support veterans. With President-elect Trump and Vice President-elect J.D. Vance, we now have leaders who not only honor our veterans, but also bring a depth of personal experience to the table. Vice President-elect Vance has lived the life of a veteran. He knows what it’s like to struggle and to overcome the unique challenges of military service. He knows how to follow and how to lead. He knows the shame it is on our Nation to see our veterans hungry, cold, and alone, struggling to receive mental and medical care. Under his leadership,we have the opportunity to give our vets the honor and care they deserve. His experience is a beacon of hope for all who have served, promising an era where our veterans’ voices will finally be heard and respected at the highest levels of government.

Serving is never just a job; it’s a calling rooted in a profound love for country, love for neighbor, and a willingness to sacrifice. Veterans leave behind their families, miss milestones, and face unimaginable trials, all for the cause of protecting our freedoms. They deserve leaders who not only respect that journey but who also know what it means to carry that responsibility themselves. I thank God we have that now, and I couldn’t be prouder to see this administration represent the values I hold dear.

As we look to the future, we must guide and inspire the next generation, particularly Generation Z. Like my daughters, they are eager to serve, but they also seek leaders they can trust, who will guide them through the toughest moments of their lives. This generation is vibrant, intelligent, and deeply patriotic. They know that America is not perfect, but they still believe in the power of its ideals. With the right support, Gen Z will rise to the challenge of defending the Constitution and standing for the freedoms that define us.

This Veteran’s Day, I feel especially hopeful. Not only are we honoring those who have served before, but we are also paving the way for those who will serve in the future. Our veterans can take pride in knowing that their sacrifices have laid a strong foundation, inspiring a new generation ready to carry the torch. They have set an example that the young people of today are eager to follow under the guidance of leaders who understand the journey because they’ve walked it themselves.

Let us remember that honoring veterans isn’t just about reflection; it’s about action, about creating a country that respects their contributions and empowers those who will continue their legacy. Today, and every day, I am committed to supporting our veterans and guiding our youth toward a future where service is respected, honored, and understood in a way it never has been before.

To all our active-duty servicemen and women and our veterans alike, we see you. We salute you. We thank you for your sacrifice. Every time I hear the National Anthem, tears fill my eyes. May you never lose that love for country that swells like the anthem and may we never lose our gratitude for your selflessness. Happy Veterans Day.

Rep. Jamie Allard represents District 23, Eagle River, in the Alaska Legislature.